Javorův kopec

Javorův kopec is a modest, gently rounded hill rising to 683 metres above sea level, situated on a side ridge that branches westward from the main ridge of Horní les toward the settlement of Chlum. It lies within the municipality of Chlum-Korouhvice, roughly 12 km north of Bystřice nad Pernštejnem and close to the Vír dam, in the heart of the Svratecká hornatina (Svratka Highlands).

What makes Javorův kopec special?

The hill is protected as a natural monument, covering a fragment of spring-fed wet meadows with vegetation typical of this rare habitat type. Among the plants growing here is a specially protected orchid species, whose presence was the main reason the site was granted legal protection. The spring meadows, fed by water emerging from the ground, create distinctive moisture conditions that have allowed plant species to survive here that have largely disappeared from the surrounding farmland.

A popular paragliding launch site

Beyond its ecological value, Javorův kopec has a very different character too. Its open, exposed summit is regularly used by paragliders as a launch point. The shape of the terrain and the absence of obstacles make it a reliable spot for flights whenever wind conditions are favourable, and it is well known among the local air-sports community.

How to reach the summit

A marked side path leads to the top, branching off from the blue-marked hiking trail that climbs from the village of Vír and continues toward Horní les (774 m), the highest point of the Svratecká hornatina, crowned by an observation tower. The route connecting both elevations makes it easy to combine a walk over Javorův kopec with a climb up the nearby tower and its panoramic views.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The area around Chlum-Korouhvice is typical of the Svratecká hornatina — hilly, partly forested, and dotted with scenic viewpoints. The Vír dam lies not far away, a popular destination for hikers and cyclists, while the observation tower on Horní les forms a natural complement to any walk that takes in Javorův kopec.

Frequently asked questions

What is Javorův kopec? It is a 683-metre hill in the municipality of Chlum-Korouhvice, protected as a natural monument for its fragment of spring meadows hosting a protected orchid species.

Can it be reached on foot? Yes, a marked side trail branches off the blue route connecting Vír with Horní les and its observation tower.

Why is it popular among paragliders? Its open summit and favourable terrain shape make it a well-used launch site for paragliding flights.

What else is worth visiting nearby? The observation tower on Horní les (774 m) and the Vír dam, both within easy reach, a little over a dozen kilometres from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem.